Through a regular offering of educational engagement sessions, Winnetka Parents Institute (WPI) is an opportunity for the District to foster parent discussions on various topics of interest. Grandparents, future parents, and community members are always welcome, too! For those who are unable to attend in person, most sessions are recorded and shared on the District website at www.winnetka36.org/wpi.

Upcoming event:

Not Quite Little Kid, Not Quite Teenager: The Developmental Progression of the Middle School Child

Thursday, September 28 at 9:30 a.m.

The Skokie School Community Room

Join Principal Tess and Principal Kanne for an informational morning session focusing on the ins and outs of the growing middle school child.  We will spend time exploring both the academic and social-emotional needs appropriate to 5th-8th grade children, how they change over that four year span, as well as the neurological changes that contribute to these needs.  Parents with current middle schoolers, or soon-to-be middle schoolers, are encouraged to join us for an engaging, encouraging, and educational hour together. 

To RSVP visit https://goo.gl/GWVFip.

Hubbard Woods Kindergarten students recently enjoyed learning about the school's new butterfly garden, created as an Eagle Scout project by Hubbard Woods alum Andrew Vagra (Washburne Class of 2016, Loyola Academy Class of 2020). With the guidance of Principal Carmody and his former fourth grade teacher Ms. Bierner, Andrew created the beautiful wildflower habitat for students to learn from and enjoy for many years to come. After he answered Kindergarten students' questions, Andrew noted that, "It was also fun to coincidentally see the first graders outside observing the garden for a special project which combined their observations with musical instruments to create a symphony."  

Reflecting on his own experience as a student in District 36, Andrew says, "Experiential learning allowed me to truly enjoy going to school. The teachers offered creative ways to learn which held my interest in the classroom and made it fun...I feel that these experiences have given me confidence in my own learning abilities."

The District is proud of how its Shared Vision is embodied in Andrew's service and learning activities. "Being involved with the Boy Scouts has given me so many opportunities to work to make a meaningful difference in the world. Leading and teaching younger scouts at our weekly meetings and campouts and helping the community through various service projects like cleaning up the Skokie Lagoons and volunteering for Bike Winnetka has taught me the value of hard work and how your efforts, no matter how small, can have a positive impact on those around you."